BELLA VISTA, COONOOR

Rock-a-bye bay- For fun with family-Get to Bella Vista

HOW TO GET THERE

Bella Vista is a five minute drive from Coonoor bus stand at 71, Shanthi Vijaya School Road, Mount Pleasant, Coonoor.

For details call: 098840 77710, Fax: 009144 2854 5777

E mail: uew_7@hotmail.com or look up www.bellavistastay.com

THINGS TO DO

A great place for family reunions. Conveniently located for sightseeing trips too.

TARIFF

During Season (April/May/June) the charges are Rs. 2500/- plus tax of 12.5%. During off-season the rates are Rs. 2000/- plus 12.5% tax. Charges for food are extra.

KALIMPONG

Lying peacefully against the backdrop of the magnificent Kanchenjunga, Kalimpong is one of those rare hill stations that are not overcrowded. Known for its cool weather throughout the year, it is a garden town with numerous shaded walks along forest roads.
Famed for its Buddhist monasteries, Kalimpong is a heavenly place at bloom-time, when Kalimpong emerges in a riot of colors as entire hillsides get covered with exquisite orchids and other exotic flowers. The panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range from here is one of its significant highlights.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Regular jet and IA flights operate from Calcutta and Delhi to Bagdogra airport. Airport: Nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 78 km away from Kalimpong.

By Rail

Two Rajdhanis ply five times a week from Delhi to New Jalpaiguri Station. Railway station: Siliguri Junction (68 km) and New Jalpaiguri (73 km) are the nearest railway stations.

By Road

Kalimpong can be reached by bus/ taxi/ jeep from New Jalpaiguri/ Siliguri in approximately three hours. Buses from Siliguri cost Rs 45. A share-jeep will cost Rs 50. Bus terminus: All buses leave from the Motor Stand in the central bazaar area.

PLACES OF VISIT

Kalimpong Haat Bazaar
Dr Grahams Home
Thongsa Gompa
Flower Nurseries
St .Theresa Church
Deploy View Point
Lava
Lolay Gaon
Samthar Plateau
Neora National Park

WHAT TO BUY

Kalimpong has a lot to offer in terms of shopping. The Main Road, the 10th Mile Market and the Raja Dorje Market are some of the good places to shop. The must-buys of Kalimpong include fresh ginger and honey, Tibetan noodles, jewelery, artefacts, seeds and flower bulbs. The Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre is the best place for authentic Lepcha, Bhutanese and Sikkimese embroidered work on purses and dresses. Don?t leave Kalimpong without trying some of its famous cheese.

AJANTA CAVES

Ajanta Caves, situated in Maharashtra, are world renowned for their unique and exquisite paintings. These Buddhist caves are one of a kind in entire India. Regarded as one of the World Heritage Sites, the caves date back to the 2nd century. There are around 30 caves here, each one of which is rendered as an art master piece. Ajanta caves comprise of both worship places and monasteries for the Buddhist monks. The paintings depict stories from Jataka stories and scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.

The caves at Ajanta are a delight for the tourists. Thousand of travelers travel to Ajanta to explore the wonderful caves. There are in all thirty caves, which are the living example of the skilled craftsmanship and masonry of the yore. All the caves are completely distinct from each other in terms of architecture, paintings, style of paintings etc. The construction period of Ajanta caves can be easily segmented into two. Moreover, these caves throw light on the rich cultural and religious heritage of India.

HOW TO REACH

By Air
The closest Airport from Ajanta Caves is Aurangabad Domestic Airport. It lies at a distance of 100 km and has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai international Airports.

By Rail
The closest Railway Station to the Ajanta caves is that of Jalgaon. It is at a distance of 60 km from the caves and runs regular super fast, express, mail and passenger trains to and from Aurangabad, Mumbai and other major cities in of Maharashtra.

By Road
Ajanta Caves are well connected via road. There is an efficient road network connecting the place with the key cities of India. The major cities linked with Ajanta caves include Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad. Direct buses and taxis are available between Aurangabad and Ajanta Caves.